Whitstable Times and Herne Bay Herald - 17 September 1887

Transcribed by G Lamb for the HRGS.

SITTINGBOURNE

The guardians of Milton Union have had it revalued owing to the depreciation of land.  The value of the union has decreased £10,000.

FREEMASONRY. - The annual installation of officers of the St. Michael's (Sittingbourne) Lodge of Freemasons took place on Thursday at the Town Hall, when there was a good muster of brethren and visitors from other lodges.  Bro G. Goble was installed W.M. for the ensuing year; and other officers elected were Bro. Rev. W. H. Bond, J.P.M., Chaplain; Bro G. Payne, P. M., P.P.G.R., treasurer; and Bro. F. J. Seale, P.M., P.P., G.A.D.C., secretary.  The stewards are Bros. E. S. Coombes and E. Marmion.  The brethren afterwards adjourned to the Bull Hotel, where a sumptuous breakfast was provided for them by Host Owen, adn the usual loyal and complimentary toasts followed.

GOOD TEMPLARS' DEMONSTRATION - The nineteenth anniversary of the introduction of Good Templary into this county was commemorated in this town by an imposing demonstration of Good Templars, and other friends of the temperance movement, which took place on Saturday afternoon.  Assembling in large numbers at a given point the members of all the local lodges, together with several visitors from adjacent districts, attired in the regalia of the order, paraded the streets in processional formation, headed by the band from the Daily Chronicle Paper Mills.  The Good Templars afterwards attended Divine service at the Free Church, which was crowded by an overflowing congregation, an admirable sermon in unison with the principles of the order being preached by teh pastor, the Rev. C Watt Smyrk, who is a member of one of the Sittingbourne lodges.  The band assisted in the musical portion of the service, after which the Good Templars dispersed.  During the afternoon the band, which numbers nearly 30 performers, played a capital selection of music, including several well-known sacred pieces, adapted by the conductor (Mr. R. Kempton) for the occasion.  The fine weather was eminently favourable for the demonstration, and crowds of spectators lined the streets.